Alebiosu Mosque in Lagos Celebrates 40th Anniversary and 1,000 Friday Prayers

The Alhaji Afolabi Oba-Alebiosu Central Mosque in Lagos marked its 40th anniversary and the completion of 1,000 Jumu'ah services on November 5, 2026. The celebration featured the conferment of Islamic chieftaincy titles on seven notable members and awards to six others for their contributions to the mosque's growth and development. The event was attended by Muslim community leaders and members, who were urged to sustain their contributions to the development of the Ummah and society.

The Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Nurudeen Jimoh Idera, expressed gratitude to Allah for witnessing the milestone, describing the anniversary as a moment of thanksgiving. He acknowledged that the mosque's journey had not been without challenges but noted that the commitment and support of members had contributed significantly to its transformation. The mosque has grown from a Ratib mosque to a Central Mosque, with the congregation also increasing significantly.

The Chief Imam attributed the achievements to the collective efforts of members and other well-meaning individuals who had consistently supported the mosque's leadership. He prayed for the continued growth and prosperity of the mosque and its congregation, while also offering prayers for the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Afolabi Oba-Alebiosu, on whose land the mosque was built. The mosque has become a storey building from a bungalow in 1986.

Sheikh Abdulwaheed Afolabi Alebiosu, a pioneer member of the mosque, urged the newly installed title holders and award recipients to emulate their predecessors by sustaining their contributions to the Muslim community. He commended the Chief Imam for his leadership and contributions to the mosque's development, noting that the progress made under his watch cannot be overlooked.

Seven members of the congregation were installed into different Islamic leadership positions, including Mallam Abdul-Ganiy Bola Sanni as Osupa Adinni and Hajia Naimot Bola Ajibola as Iya Sunnah. Six other members were honoured with awards for their contributions to the mosque community, including Alhaja Sinata Ojukutu and Alhaji Balogun Abdulhamid.

The newly installed title holders and award recipients expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to intensify their contributions to the mosque and the wider Muslim community. Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyu Sanni said the honour was a recognition of his participation in the activities of the mosque and would motivate him to do more.

The Publisher of Muslim News Nigeria, Alhaji Abdur-Rasheed Abubakar, was among the award recipients, recognised for his longstanding contributions to the mosque. Despite relocating from the Palm Grove neighbourhood, Abubakar has remained connected to the mosque and continued to play useful and instrumental roles in its development.

Key points

• The Alebiosu Mosque has grown from a Ratib mosque to a Central Mosque over the past 40 years.
• Seven members were conferred with Islamic chieftaincy titles, and six others received awards for their contributions to the mosque.
• The mosque has completed 1,000 Jumu'ah services since October 1, 2006.